April 14 (yourpetrochemicalnews.com) -- Michelin North America is investing $11.3 million to expand its aviation tire operations in Norwood, N.C. Beginning in the second half of 2010, the company will add aviation tire retreading to its current aviation new tire manufacturing at the site. The project is expected to create 74 new jobs phased in over the next 18 months. Hiring for some posts will begin later this month, with the majority of the new jobs expected by early 2011.
Michelin's Norwood facility currently employs 320 people in a 380,000 square feet facility. Michelin also owns two Oliver truck tire retreading facilities in Asheboro and Salisbury, N.C. Michelin North America's largest footprint is in the Carolinas, home of the company's headquarters, research and development facility and nine major manufacturing plants. Michelin employs more than 8,200 in the Carolinas.
The expansion work, which is slated to begin in the second half of this year, should be completed by the end of 2011. The company will accept applications as early as this month with 50 of the new 74 jobs expected to be filled by the end of 2010. Those wishing to apply should contact the N.C. Employment Security Commission for applications. The full Michelin investment and job growth is based on finalizing appropriate agreements with state and county government.